BBC bosses snubbed a huge A-list model and actress for a major role in Only Fools and Horses.
The star auditioned to play Cassandra Parry, who later married Rodney Trotter in the BBC sitcom.
Liz Hurley had been in the running for Cassandra, but it wasn’t to be.
The Channel 5 documentary Only Fools and Horses: Secrets and Scandals revealed how she simply didn’t fit the part.
Author Mike Jones explained: “She auditioned for the role and it was felt that perhaps she was probably a little too glamorous for…how can I say it diplomatically?
“Our lanky Trotter brother.”
Had she landed the role, Liz would have starred alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Gwyneth Strong got the part and made her first appearance as Cassandra in 1989.
She continued to play the character on and off, most recently in 2003.
Although Liz didn’t make it to Peckham, she did land a score of other projects.
The now 59-year-old starred in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, playing Vanessa Kensington.
On TV, she starred on E! primetime drama The Royals from 2015 to 2018.
Liz’s character, Helena Henstridge, was a fictitious Queen and member of a royal family.
The actress also played Morgan le Fay in Marvel Comics series Runaways and Diana Payne in teen drama Gossip Girl.
Aside from Liz, other big names have missed out on major Only Fools and Horses roles.
Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent was an early contender to play Del Boy.
In fact, Sir David Jason believed Jim would have been a “much more plausible” casting as Rodney’s brother.
This was due to the film star’s similar height to Nicholas Lyndhurst.
As Jim was unavailable at the time, he passed up the opportunity to portray Del – as had fellow actor Enn Reitel.
He instead played Del’s nemesis Roy Slater in three episodes across eight years.
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
